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His heart cracked. Damn, she was getting under his skin. Scratch that—she’d been under his skin since the moment he met her. “But I understand you’ve been scared.”
“I have. I’m tired of being a mess.” She broke out in full on crying now, the sobs wracking her body, making her shoulders shake. “I regret how I screwed up what we had.”
Without a reply, he pulled her in close, wrapped his free hand around the back of her head and pushed her face against his chest. She cried into his shirt, wound her arms around him and held on like she never wanted to let go. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“You were already hurting. It couldn’t be helped.” He ran his hand over her silky soft hair, breathed deep her fragrance. Stasia was right. It did feel good to have her in his arms.
And at this very moment, he knew he couldn’t let her go. He needed her in his life.
Maybe forever.
Chapter Seventeen
Relief flooded Stasia when she walked into her apartment, Gavin directly behind her. The argument on the sidewalk had been embarrassing. She’d completely lost it, became so angry at his simple chemistry remark that she’d been tempted to smack him.
Well, she hadn’t smacked him, but she’d kicked him. She still couldn’t believe she’d done that.
But by some miracle he’d ended up comforting her. Without false words either, but with his embrace. How easily he’d pulled her into his arms, held her close while she cried. She was so sick of crying. She should be happy. Everything she’d so desperately wanted when she’d discovered the truth about her father was now right there, waiting for her. A new family that was starting to accept her…she should’ve been thrilled. She thought she’d feel whole once again.
She didn’t. She still wanted more. A meaningful relationship was another important need. A new career direction was also a path she was seriously considering. She’d already talked to Matteo and Rafe about it and they encouraged her to give it a try…
“Nice apartment,” Gavin commented after he shut the door and turned the lock. He shoved his hands deep into his pockets, glancing around her living room.
“Thanks. My parents gave it to me when I turned twenty.” She said it on purpose, going with the spoiled princess personality, since that was what he believed her to be.
He at least had the decency to wince. “You’re very fortunate that they helped you so much.”
“I know I am. And I appreciate everything they’ve ever done for me.”
She was also thankful he’d wanted to accompany her home and make sure she was all right. The gesture touched her deeply, showed that he might care about her after all. He was so kind, so thoughtful.
And she’d almost screwed everything up.
“Is your mom here?” He glanced about the room warily, as if afraid Mama would spring out of a corner at any moment.
“No.” Stasia shook her head. “She’s staying at the apartment she and my…father had. She thought it best we not be with each other every second of the day.” She’d most certainly agreed.
“Maybe you should go to bed,” he suggested as he walked into the center of the living room. “You need to rest.”
Will you stay? The words hovered on the tip of her tongue, waiting to be said but she didn’t have the courage.
“I think I’m going to take a shower first.” She released a shaky breath.
“You want me to stay until you’re finished?” he asked softly.
She watched him watch her. His expression was relaxed, though his gaze razor sharp. Most likely analyzing her mental stability, wondering if she was strong enough to be left alone.
“Um, if you don’t mind?” She nodded, thankful he offered and she didn’t have to ask.
“I’ll wait for you out here. When you’re done, though, I should go.”
“All right.” She started for the hallway and paused, turning to face him once more. “Thank you, Gavin, for being so…understanding.”
“You’re welcome.” He smiled and the sight of it was like a dagger to the heart. Staggering, dangerous, he was too gorgeous for words.
Too sweet, too sexy, too smart…too everything. He made it so easy for her to fall in love with him. Not even a month ago that thought would’ve struck icy cold fear in her heart. But now…she wanted him. Wanted him in her life, in her heart.
Did he feel the same?
